Paula Abdul accuses 'American Idol' producer of double sexual assault, gripping lawsuit details unveiled
Paula Abdul is a well-known figure in American music, achieving widespread recognition in the 80s and 90s. She transitioned to the small screen in the new millennium, acting as a judge on several talent shows. Her association with "American Idol" began in 2002, a show produced by Nigel Lythgoe.
2:43 PM EST, December 31, 2023
An indictment mentioned by "People" alleges that Abdul was sexually assaulted during the preparation for the show's first edition.
"Upon boarding the elevator, Lythgoe pressed Abdul against the wall, then groped her genitals and breasts, while pushing his tongue into her throat," according to the lawsuit filed by Abdul's representatives.
Although she pushed away her alleged attacker, Abdul chose not to report the incident to the police, fearing job termination. The lawsuit alleges that Abdul was subjected to intimidation, humiliation, and harassment for several months following the incident, primarily verbally and financially.
The suit also reports a second attack by the producer on Abdul in 2015, when they were both working on "You Can Dance." She invited Paua to Lythgoe's home for a business-related dinner. After dining, they moved to the couch where Lythgoe purportedly tried to forcefully kiss her, whispering that they would make an excellent "power couple." Abdul refused his advances and left.
Nigel Lythgoe categorically denies all of Paula Abdul's accusations.
"To say that I am shocked and saddened by these charges is an understatement. [...] Although Paula is known for her unpredictable behavior, and everyone knows this, I have no idea why she filed a lawsuit that she must know is full of falsehoods. I vow to fight these defamatory claims with everything I have," Lythgoe stated in an interview with TMZ.
